SUMMARY
Dan Sorajja, M.D., is an electrophysiologist conducting research involving transient loss of consciousness (syncope), atrial fibrillation and risk of arrhythmias during anesthesia. His research includes prospective studies of medications to reduce the burden of syncope and on the implications of driving for patients with syncope.
Dr. Sorajja is also researching long-term stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in patient populations for whom there is unclear benefit. His other research interests involve an ongoing study examining the risk of arrhythmias during anesthesia, with a focus on congenital arrhythmias.
Focus areas
- Syncope. Dr. Sorajja is studying the use of metoprolol to prevent syncope as part of a multinational study. He is also part of a national guideline committee for syncope, including recommendations for driving restrictions for these patients.
- Atrial fibrillation. Dr. Sorajja's projects are evaluating novel risk markers to determine the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. In addition to demographical information, the morphology of the left atrial appendage and overall cardiac function are being studied over long-term follow-up.
- ICDs. The focus of several projects revolve around the use of ICDs in patients who are elderly and frail or have chronic kidney disease.
- Arrhythmias with anesthesia. Dr. Sorajja is analyzing the risk of arrhythmias during surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. The degree or type of anesthesia as well as the presence of congenital arrhythmic conditions such as Brugada syndrome and long QT syndrome are being studied.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Sorajja hopes his research findings will improve the care of patients with syncope, atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias. Much of his work is determining the actual risk for these patient populations.
Professional highlights
- Evidence Review Committee for Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death, Heart Rhythm Society, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), 2016
- Guideline Committee for Evaluation and Management of Syncope, Heart Rhythm Society, ACC/AHA, 2015-present
- Elite Fellow In Training Rising Star, American College of Cardiology, 2012